Between 8 and 13 June 2026, Óbuda University hosted a three-member delegation from the Faculty of Military Science of Stellenbosch University, South Africa, as part of the ongoing effort to further strengthen the long-standing academic partnership between the two institutions established in 2019. The delegation consisted of Capt. (Navy) Graeme Wesley Plint, Lt. Col. Audrey Rozanne Lawrance, researcher, and Dr. Hendrick Snyders, senior researcher. The visit was coordinated by Prof. János Besenyő, Head of the Africa Research Institute at Óbuda University.
During the first day of the professional programme, the delegation visited the Donát Bánki Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, where they were welcomed by Dean Dr. habil. Tibor Farkas. The guests received comprehensive information about the faculty’s educational and research activities, the operation of the Innovation Parks, and the programmes offered by the Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences. Members of the South African delegation also delivered presentations on their respective research fields to faculty members.
On the second day, the visitors explored Óbuda University’s robotics laboratories under the guidance of Vice-Rector Professor Péter Galambos. They also attended a university presentation hosted by Vice-Rector Professor Zoltán Rajnai, which provided an overview of the institution’s English-language programmes, international mobility opportunities, and doctoral schools. In an online session, Péter Balogh introduced the objectives and opportunities associated with the Diana programme. The campus tour and subsequent informal discussions offered further opportunities to identify areas for future collaboration.
The partners also reviewed the achievements of their cooperation over recent years and discussed concrete plans for future joint initiatives. Since 2019, the partnership between Stellenbosch University and Óbuda University has resulted in the organisation of seven international conferences, the publication of two academic books, and collaborative editorial work supporting Scientia Militaria and the Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies (JCEEAS). Both institutions expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the fields of security studies, military sciences, and international research projects.
The professional programme was complemented by cultural activities, allowing the South African guests to gain insight into Hungary’s rich historical and cultural heritage, including a visit to the town of Szentendre. The visit further strengthened the scientific and cultural ties between the two universities and laid the foundation for future successful collaborative initiatives within this strategic international partnership.
